April 15, 2000

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky offensive unit had its best showing of springpractice during a two-hour, 20-minute scrimmage Saturday afternoon inCommonwealth Stadium.

The offensive Wildcats tallied eight touchdowns and two fieldgoals in 23 possessions, with quarterback Dusty Bonner – confirmed asthe team’s starter on Wednesday – leading the way. Bonner completed 35of 48 passes for 485 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.Bonner also was the team’s leading rusher with eight carries for 59yards and a touchdown.

“Our best teams have been the ones with give-and-take during thespring and I think that’s what we’ve had so far,” Coach Hal Mumme said.”Last spring the defense was better than the offense and this year ithas been more even.”

Bonner set the tone on the opening possession of the scrimmage.Ernest Simms returned the kickoff 50 yards to the 38-yard line of thedefense. Wide receiver Quentin McCord scooted 26 yards on an end-aroundand then caught a 12-yard scoring pass from Bonner.

McCord had an outstanding day with four receptions for 126 yardsand two touchdowns, also scoring on an 82-yard pass. In addition to histwo TDs to McCord, Bonner also tossed touchdowns to Kendrick Shanklin,Chase Harp, and Neal Brown.

“Dusty had a really good day,” Mumme said. “We got more reps(repetitions) with Dusty in practice this week, and I think it showed,but we haven’t arrived by any means.

“Quentin had his best day since 1997. Hopefully, we can keephim at split end and leave him in one place. We had to move him aroundlast season because of the injuries.”

Running back Artose Pinner solidified his position as the bestrunning back of the spring. He rushed 12 times for 47 yards and caughtsix passes for 78 yards. He continued the bullish running style thathas become his trademark, as he broke several tackles.

“Artose has been doing a nice job, and Martez Johnson has hadsome moments, but Artose is the guy right now,” Mumme said. “He getsstronger as the game goes on. The best thing about him is the yards hegets after the first hit.”

Backup quarterback Jared Lorenzen had his best day of thespring, completing 12 of 22 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown. Healso ran twice for 43 yards, including a spectacular 38-yard scramble inwhich he hurdled a defensive back and stiff-armed a linebacker.

“Jared looked good, completing more than 50 percent of hispasses,” Mumme said. “He did some nice things. He just needs to bepatient and get better every day.”

Mumme also had some words of praise for the defense. TheWildcats notched nine sacks, although a few came on quick whistles bythe game officials, who are asked to help protect the quarterback whilein the pocket. Defensive end Dennis Johnson was dominant, notching fivesacks.

“Dennis had his best scrimmage since he’s been here,” Mummesaid. “He’s going to be a force to contend with. I also thought(defensive end) Chris Demaree looked good.

“Derrick Tatum is going to be a great, great cornerback. Heplays with great enthusiasm and is such a competitor. (Startingcornerbacks) Kenneth Grant and Eric Kelly are playing outstanding, butwe don’t miss much with Derrick in there.”

Seth Hanson has emerged as the leader for the punting andplacekicking jobs. He punted seven times for a 40.9-yard average,including a well-placed 29-yard pooch punt that went out of bounds onthe 10-yard line. He made two of three field goals and all four extrapoint tries.

The Wildcats return to the practice field Monday at 2 p.m. forthe last week of spring practice. The Wildcats practice Monday,Wednesday, and Friday before the Blue/White Game on April 22.

Scoring Summary for April 15 Scrimmage
Quentin McCord 12 pass from Dusty Bonner (Seth Hanson kick)
Hanson 24 FG
Hanson 33 FG
Kendrick Shanklin 17 pass from Bonner (Hanson kick)
Ernest Simms 80 pass from Mark Perry (Hanson kick)
Bonner 1 run (Hanson kick)
McCord 82 pass from Bonner (Brandon Sanders kick)
Chase Harp 32 pass from Bonner (Sanders kick)
Neal Brown 1 pass from Bonner (Justin Hutton kick)
Alvin Noble 9 pass from Jared Lorenzen (Hutton kick)

Passing Statistics

Receiving Statistics

Rushing Statistics (does not include sack yardage)

Field Goal Kicking

Punting

Defensive Highlights
Kept the offense from scoring on 11 of the first 16 possessions
Blocked one punt
Nine quarterback sacks